Blocked Fallopian Tubes: Symptoms, Causes and Best Treatment Options

What are Fallopian Tubes, and Why Do They Matter?

Fallopian tubes are two narrow passages that connect the ovaries to the uterus and play a vital role in conception. Each month, an egg released from the ovary travels through one of these tubes toward the uterus. Fertilisation usually occurs within the fallopian tube, where the sperm meets the egg. Once fertilised, the egg moves into the uterus for implantation.

If a fallopian tube is blocked or damaged, this process is interrupted. The sperm may be unable to reach the egg, or the fertilised egg may not reach the uterus. As a result, blocked fallopian tubes are a common and significant cause of female infertility.

What are the Common Symptoms of Blocked Fallopian Tubes?

One of the biggest challenges with blocked fallopian tubes is that they often cause no symptoms at all. Many women feel healthy and have regular periods, yet still struggle to conceive because the tubes are blocked.

Some possible signs include:

• Difficulty getting pregnant despite trying for a long time.
• Mild or occasional pelvic pain.
• Pain on one side if there is a hydrosalpinx, which means a fluid-filled tube.
• Symptoms related to conditions causing the blockage, such as painful periods or pelvic pain in women with endometriosis

Most women only find out about the blockage during a fertility evaluation. This is why early testing is helpful if pregnancy is not happening naturally.

How are Blocked Fallopian Tubes Diagnosed?

Since symptoms are rare, doctors use specific tests to check if the tubes are open or blocked:

• Hysterosalpingography (HSG) A dye is injected into the uterus and fallopian tubes. X-ray images show whether the dye passes through the tubes. If it does not pass, the tube is likely blocked.
• Laparoscopy This is a minimally invasive surgery where a small camera is inserted into the abdomen. It gives a clear view of the tubes and can also treat some blockages.
• Ultrasound A regular or specialised ultrasound may detect hydrosalpinx or other abnormalities around the tubes. A fertility specialist will recommend the best test based on your symptoms and history.

What are the Treatment Options for Blocked Fallopian Tubes?

The right treatment depends on the cause and severity of the blockage:

• Tubal cannulation or flushing

  If the blockage is near the uterus, doctors may try to open the tube by flushing it with dye or saline. This is a simple and less invasive option.

• Laparoscopic surgery

  If scar tissue or adhesions are blocking the tubes, laparoscopic surgery can remove them. The goal is to restore normal tube function.

• Removal of the tube

  If a fallopian tube is severely damaged or filled with fluid, surgical removal may be recommended. A damaged tube can reduce IVF success rates, which is why doctors may advise removal before starting IVF treatment.

• In vitro fertilisation

  When both tubes are blocked or cannot be repaired, IVF is the most reliable option. IVF bypasses the fallopian tubes completely by fertilising eggs in a lab and transferring the embryo directly into the uterus.

• Treating infections

  If the blockage is caused by infection, treating the infection is the first step. However, once scarring has formed, further treatment may still be necessary.

Can One Still Get Pregnant With Blocked Fallopian Tubes?

Many women with blocked fallopian tubes can still have healthy pregnancies. The chances depend on:

• Whether one or both tubes are blocked.
• The location and severity of the blockage.
• Your age and overall fertility health.
• Whether surgery or IVF is needed.

If only one tube is blocked and the other is healthy, a natural pregnancy is still possible. If both tubes are blocked, IVF offers a strong chance of success because it bypasses the tubes entirely.

When to See a Fertility Specialist?

You should speak to a specialist if:

• You have been trying to conceive for more than one year.
• You are older than 35 and have been trying for six months.
• You have a history of pelvic infections, endometriosis or pelvic surgery.
• You suspect any symptoms that could suggest a reproductive issue.

A fertility specialist will help you understand the exact cause and guide you on the best treatment plan.

Conclusion

Blocked fallopian tubes can feel worrying, but they do not take away your chance of becoming a parent. With the right diagnosis and treatment, many women achieve successful pregnancies. The key is early testing, understanding your options and working closely with a trusted fertility specialist who can guide you through each step.